Guide to Glass Flat Screen TV Stands

Glass flat panel TV stands are one of a number of
different choices you have when choosing somewhere to store your home
cinema system.

However, it can be difficult to decide which is the best type for you to use. In our introduction to flat screen TV stands and furniture we discuss the different types you will come across, and look at the pros and cons of each type.

Once you understand the issues involved, it will make it easier for you to choose the right style and model for your room.

On this page we look at glass TV stands. Go to the main introduction for details of other types.

Glass TV stands

Glass TV stands are available in the vast majority of television stores.

Generally retail stores use glass TV stands to increase profit
margins and the prices tend to be severely inflated when compared with
typical internet prices.

I recommend you ask for the model number of the glass TV stand in
store and check internet prices before purchasing. The sales people may
try to tempt you with large discounts, but in many cases the prices
are so over inflated the same products can be bought online far cheaper
even with the "special offer".

Different types

If you search online, a far greater variety of finish options exists
including white glass, red glass and grey glass shelves - and some
manufacturers offer a wide choice of support finishes like metallic
gold for instance. Generally the more specific and unusual the finish
choice the higher the price will be.

The advantage of black glass is that it matches the majority of
modern LED TV finishes in addition to helping to
conceal wiring. However, the downside is that it attracts and shows
dust far more than a clear glass alternative.

In order to determine the quality of a particular glass TV stand a number of factors should be considered.

Shelf thickness

Firstly the thickness of the glass.

Even at the lowest of price points, it is possible to purchase a
glass TV stand with an 8mm glass top. However, there are some poorer
quality glass flat panel TV stands on the market with just 6mm glass
top shelves. I would recommend against these as it is possible to
purchase a TV stand with 8mm glass for the same price.

Higher quality glass TV stands feature 10mm, 12mm or even 19mm glass
shelves. Thicker glass increases the strength of the glass TV stand and
also helps to reduce unwanted vibrations which can lower the quality
of both audio and video equipment.

Always buy a glass TV stand with toughened safety glass; I would
always steer clear of any kind of glass furniture which does not
feature toughened glass shelves.

Cable Management

Most types of glass TV stands feature cable management. Always check
this is included with the TV stand before purchasing as some
manufacturers offer it as an optional extra rather than an inclusive
feature.

Cable management is critical on clear glass flat panel TV stands,
because without cable management the aesthetics of the TV system will
be ruined by unsightly wiring. Always check the cable management is of
sufficient size to accommodate all of your wiring.

Be aware that cable management can simply consist of a panel which
enables cables to feed through or a circular column where the cables are
physically held inside.

The former method will leave cables hanging out of the back of the
TV stand, and the latter covers the cables from all angles but the
volume of cables which can be managed is limited to the circumference of
the cable management column.

Also, remember to consider that the cable management may eat into the usable shelf depth of the glass TV stand.

Before purchasing a TV stand it is crucial to measure all of the
usable shelf space of the stand and compare that to the dimensions of
the equipment. There is nothing worse than constructing a new piece of
furniture only to discover it is completely unsuitable for the exact
purpose it has been purchased for.

A stand like the Innovex Oxford 65-Inch TV stand (pictured above) can be useful in this respect as you will be
able to easily fit at least two pieces of equipment side-by-side on one shelf due to the
extra width of the stand.

Pros and cons of glass TV stands

Advantages:

Modern looks

Superb value for money

Wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications to choose from

Optional castors available on many models

More than adequate ventilation is provided due to open design

Disadvantages:

Does not suit more traditional living areas

Shelves tend to be fixed and not height adjustable

Cable management can be weak

Cable management can reduce usable shelf space

The open design does not protect audio and video equipment

Conclusion

Glass flat panel TV stands are a very popular solution when it comes to finding the right furniture for your room.

They provide good value for money and will fit comfortably into many peoples homes.

However, if you're not yet convinced that a glass TV stand is right
for you, then check out the rest of our buying guide and consider the
other choices that you have.

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